Study at these 5 US schools for free — or near enough

Thinking about attending one of the many US schools for free?

In the US, there are programmes and institutions that are engineered to provide students with a quality education at low to no tuition costs, usually through a merit or need-based aid.

Some schools also offer generous scholarships or full funding through donations, as well as other means, allowing students to graduate debt-free.

So, if you’re thinking of attending one of the broad selections of US schools for free — or near enough — here are five worth exploring:

Study at these 5 US schools for free

Curtis Institute of Music

 

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Students who are exceptionally talented in the musical field can apply to this prestigious institution which awards need-based financial aid (covering living expenses) and merit-based scholarships (covering tuition fees) to enrolled students.

Bear in mind that there are administrative fees to be paid. These include a 150 US dollar online application fee, US$100 screening fee (except for auditionees carrying guitar, organ, timpani and percussions) and an audition fee amounting US$150.

Applicants will also have to pay for their own standardised tests, such as TOEFL/IELTS and the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), should the institute require them to submit these scores.

Queens College, City University of New York (CUNY)

 

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Students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance in mathematics or one of the sciences (biology, chemistry, geology) can apply to study at the Teacher Academy at Queens College, City University of New York (CUNY).

Students enrolled at this academy receive free tuition and have all administrative fees covered while working towards a bachelor’s degree in mathematics or science.

This school is specialised in preparing a new generation of exceptional teachers who will impart their knowledge in a fun, engaging and impactful way.

United States Naval Academy (USNA)

The United States Naval Academy provides 100% funding to all enrolled students — this covers tuition, room, and board, medical and dental care costs of Naval Academy midshipmen.

Every year, around 60 international applicants are admitted to the academy.

Deep Springs College 

Secluded in the California desert, Deep Springs College is a two-year school. After attending, students usually transfer to finish their degrees at selective universities. Alumni include diplomats, Pulitzer Prize winner and famed physicists. https://t.co/PoWtRbx2eF pic.twitter.com/2RWnt3mhGb

— 60 Minutes (@60Minutes) October 10, 2021

Deep Springs College, a two-year college nestled in the heart of the California desert, provides a conducive learning environment for students before transferring to a four-year university.

The college is fully committed to ensuring that every admitted candidate is not burdened by financial commitments in their educational pursuits. For this reason, all students receive a full scholarship valued at over US$50,000, which includes tuition, room and board.

Students are required to pay a small damage deposit, books, travel, medical insurance and incidental expenses, but these fees can be covered by the scholarship in cases of demonstrated financial need, said the college on its website.

Berea College

 

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Berea College provides 100% funding — covering tuition, room, board, and fees — to enrolled international students for the first year of enrolment. The college notes that in subsequent years, international students are expected to save US$1,000 to contribute toward their expenses.

Accepted international students may be required a U$50 college entrance fee and a U$2,200 deposit to confirm their enrolment. However, students may receive financial aid if they are unable to pay all or a portion of the deposit.